Questions about acupuncture and TCM

Fine, sterile needles are inserted at specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points. According to TCM, this influences the flow of Qi along the meridians and helps the body regain its balance. Research suggests that the stimulation also affects the nervous system. The points can also be stimulated with pressure, heat or a mild electrical current, and acupuncture is sometimes combined with cupping.

Most people feel only a brief prick as the needle goes in. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than hypodermic needles, and they are solid rather than hollow. Afterwards you may feel heaviness, warmth, tingling or slight numbness around the needle. The needles usually stay in for 20–40 minutes, and many people relax so much that they fall asleep. Tell Dr. Tian if anything feels uncomfortable, and she will adjust the needle or use a finer one.

It depends on where the point is. On the face, hands and feet a few millimetres is enough. Where the muscles are large, such as the buttocks or thighs, a needle may go in a couple of centimetres. Dr. Tian adjusts the depth to the point, your build and how sensitive you are.

Yes. All needles are sterile and single-use. Each needle is used once and then discarded.

Usually none, or very mild ones. Some people notice that their symptoms get a little stronger for a few days after the first sessions, or that their sleep, appetite, digestion or mood changes for a while. This normally settles on its own. Tell Dr. Tian how you have felt, and she will adapt your next treatment.

When it is done by a trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is a safe treatment. Anything that does happen is usually mild and short-lived: soreness or a small bruise where a needle was, a drop of blood, or feeling dizzy or tired for a while afterwards. That is why it is a good idea to rest for a few minutes before you leave.

It varies from person to person. Some people notice a difference after the first session. For long-standing problems, one or two treatments a week for a few months is often recommended. Acute problems usually need fewer, typically around eight to ten visits. At your first visit you will receive a plan with an estimated number of sessions.

Before: do not brush your tongue, and avoid coffee, sweets and chewing gum that can colour it, as Dr. Tian will look at your tongue. Have a light meal in good time, but do not eat in the half hour before or the half hour after treatment. Take off any jewellery and go to the toilet before you lie down. During: try to relax, and say if anything feels uncomfortable. After: take it easy for the rest of the day, avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol, and dress warmly to avoid getting chilled or sitting in a draught.

Always tell Dr. Tian if you are pregnant or might be. Under the Swedish Patient Safety Act, conditions linked to pregnancy or childbirth, such as nausea or pelvic girdle pain, may only be treated by licensed healthcare staff, so for those please see your midwife or antenatal clinic. If your visit is about something else, Dr. Tian adapts the treatment, as some points are avoided during pregnancy.

Yes. Under the Swedish Patient Safety Act, only licensed healthcare staff may treat cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, notifiable infectious diseases, and conditions linked to pregnancy or childbirth. The same applies to examining or treating children under eight. If any of these apply to you, please contact your health centre (vårdcentral) or your regular care provider.

Yes. Acupuncture is a complement and can be given while you are seeing your doctor or taking medication. Never stop taking prescribed medication on your own. Bring a list of your medicines to the first visit and mention if you take blood thinners, for example, so that Dr. Tian can take this into account.

Swedish and Chinese (Mandarin). You can also have your consultation and treatment in English.

A health consultation costs SEK 550 and takes 30 minutes. A first visit with acupuncture costs SEK 1,400 and a follow-up SEK 1,050. Combination treatment costs SEK 1,650, and cupping and ear acupuncture cost SEK 800 each. On Saturdays there is a supplement of SEK 180 on all treatments.

You book online through Bokadirekt, where you can see available times straight away. The clinic is listed there as Eriksbergs Hälsoklinik, because that is where Dr. Tian sees her patients.

No. You book directly with Dr. Tian, without a referral from a GP or any other doctor.

No. Dr. Tian Akupunktur is a private clinic, so visits do not count towards the Swedish high-cost protection scheme (högkostnadsskydd), and exemption cards (frikort) do not apply. You pay the full price yourself.

Yes, you can pay with Epassi. Your employer decides whether acupuncture is covered by your wellness allowance (friskvårdsbidrag), so ask them or check in the Epassi app. You can also pay by Swish, Visa or Mastercard.

Cancel or rebook in Bokadirekt at least 24 hours before your appointment, using the link in your booking confirmation or after logging in. If you cancel later than that, or do not turn up, you will be charged the full amount.